Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.
Across Europe Movement
Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring parallel restrictions.
- Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". A law may be enacted soon.
- Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
- Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
- In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
- The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media before 15.
Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age barrier is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker behind the resolution.
The UK: A Watchful Approach
Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on robust data".
Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the topic.
Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.
"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner.
America: A State-by-State Picture
Across America, action is largely happening at the local government level amid federal inaction.
- Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
- Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
- Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.
Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.
Global Perspectives
Outside of these regions, other nations are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
- Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.
Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.
While this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.
